News Highlights

At The Project, we're always finding ways to applaud and celebrate our volunteers. Without them, it would be impossible to fulfill our mission to the metro New Orleans community. They give their dollars, time and skills as lawyers, paralegals and other professionals to help us open the door to the civil legal system for countless men, women and children of all ages, who otherwise would be unable to access justice.

But, just what do our volunteers get in return besides a heartfelt 'thanks'??

Thomas H. Peyton, Esq.

Recently, one of our young lawyers, Thomas H. Peyton of Larzelere Picou, et al. was recognized as a Pro Bono Hero in the Louisiana Bar Journal's February-March issue. He was also a recipient of one of the LSBA's 2013 Pro Bono Publico Awards. Tommy's been active at The Project for the past several years, taking on CINC cases and working on the annual NOBA/YLS Pro-Bowl-O-Tournament to raise funds for The Project.

For Tommy, working on pro bono cases is more than just fulfilling his obligation to his community, it's a very rewarding journey - both personally and professionally.

My pro bono work has developed my skill set in many ways and is the cornerstone of my career. Beyond the obvious benefits of gaining experience in the courtroom and strategy development, my pro bono work has helped me to better understand the world outside of my office.

Since the bulk of my pro bono representation involves the representation of "children in need of care", I have the unique opportunity to mend difficult situations for very unfortunate children. I also get to show my young clients that I honestly care.

Compassion is an important tool often lost by lawyers - pro bono cases have allowed mine to thrive. I keep all of the cards and kind letters in my paper calendar and reflect on them after a tough day.

- Thomas H. Peyton, Esq.Pro Bono Hero in The LA Bar Journal

Spread The Love: Tell Us Your Story

Why do you do pro bono work for The Project ? What do you, as a volunteer, get from doing this work, professionally and personally?

During National Volunteer Week, we want to hear your stories. And, not only do we want to hear your stories, we want you to post them on The Project's Facebook page. Then, we want you to get your friends, colleagues, families and FB connections to vote on the best volunteer stories.

Tell us how doing pro bono work for The Project has helped you as a lawyer, paralegal or other professional or lay volunteer, and how it's impacted you personally and professionally.

Spread the love and share your storyto help us celebrate and acknowledge all our volunteers during National Volunteer Week.

You can write it, make a YouTube video and post it - whatever you want to do between Sunday, April 6 and Saturday, April 12 to share your story with The Project's Facebook community. One post per person, please. Stories must be dated April 6-12.

The authors of the top three stories with the most Likes will each receive two tickets to the 2014 Justice For All Ball to use themselves or to bring some friends along.

The author whose post receives the most Likes will also receive his/her choice of one of the JFAB 2014 raffle prizes to be assembled for this year's raffle, without having to buy a raffle ticket! We'll also publish the top three stories/posts on our website and in an upcoming In Brief.